BITTER ROOTS the 2021 Version of the Book of RUTH

In different Bibles, the Book of Ruth is put in different places. If this suggests that the Book of Ruth is an anomaly, I propose to show that, on the contrary, its the matic connections with the rest of the Bible are much stronger than we generally perceive. While this version is not one to be considered a Biblical Study Guide it is on its face a thriller. While the Biblical version of this story opens, at the point where Naomi’s sons have just died. Thrice-bereaved of any provider, Na omi decides to return to Judah, having heard that the Lord had given food to her people in Bethlehem. She urges Ruth and Orpah to remain in Moab with their pa rental families. Orpah agrees, but Ruth refuses with the resounding words: Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus and more may the Lord do to me if anything but death part me from you. With all of that said this version is nowhere close to a Biblical rendition of a story of bitterness however it does bring one of the lesson to be learned from the Ruth story to light in this 21st century version. As the title suggest, bitterness is a key theme to be understood in the context of life’s journey and why it is important to trust in the sov ereignty and love of God.